Good to see X.F.L. go to the Minnesota. Hopefully he can help the team score.

Hey everyone, I was just going to leave this to the original post, but I am deciding to just make it known. 

I have come across several issues I have had with some prospects with submissions. We had the one from earlier in the process regarding Max Russland. Overall, I do want people to feel as real as possible, I will, from now on, be a little more diligent with looking up names and trying to keep it real and be a little stricter on the cutting table in those cases.

The other issue I have is with some sending in themselves or people they know. I have an issue with this. It is mainly just something that feels uncomfortable to me. When it was brought up to me at some point tonight regarding players in this draft or in the past, I got a bit upset and frustrated. It is something I hope that people understand, it just gives me anxiety and makes me feel uncomfortable with using people's likeness, especially ones that I don't know or are not involved on the server. I will also extend this to fictional characters whether they are in movies, shows, video games, books, or other games and media. This one more plays on the plagiarism aspect, but it still feels uncomfortable. Overall, of course, there are going to be coincidences, and depending on how common the name is I will be okay with some. 

I appreciate all the submissions that you all give. It still has been one of the best things that this series has done and has helped me create a fun and alive world. I do not take that for granted.

Finally, anyone who has done any of the above before, it is okay, I forgive you. I just ask you to not do that anymore. That would be greatly appreciated.

- Wally

1971 Hall of Fame Vote

Newly Eligible Players
WR Chester Bennett - Captain Mort 3D
WR Darryl Duke - Scratch
LB Elijah Goldwater - Dr.Pepper
TE Eli Grant - Darknes
LB Brent Harper - Captain Mort 3D
WR Mackenzie Jones - Captain Mort 3D
K Maurice Lafeyette - ZO82
WR Benedict Spencer - ZO82
DL Olaf Viktorsson - Darknes
LB Scotty Williams - Captain Mort 3D

Once again, pick up to 8 candidates for the Hall. You can use the sheet linked in the form to look at the players' accomplishments and a brief description of their career. 

*** VOTE HERE ***

1971 Hall of Fame Class

Member #31: LB Scotty Williams - Erie, PA - 1st Ballot - Creator: Captain Mort 3D
From the moment Scotty Williams’ name was called as the 1st pick in the NAAF’s first-ever draft, he was cemented in NAAF history. Williams had a lot to live up to with that honour, but he blew the expectations out of the water. He would easily take home Rookie of the Year in 1952, ranking 3rd in the league in tackles. Over the next several seasons, Williams would help lead the Athletics build into a contender. In 1955, Williams would lead the league in tackles for the first time in his career, earning his first Defensive Player of the Year award and getting the Athletics into the playoffs for the first time. The very next season, Williams would top his 1955 campaign, leading the league in tackles and forced fumbles, en route to an MVP season. The Athletics would finish with a 9-1 record and would reach the McCallister Cup, however, they came up just short of the big prize. The years that followed the Athletics’ McCallister Cup appearance would be tough. The Athletics would fall from grace with the team being run by the problematic Chester Paul, following his father’s death. While the team struggled to reach the high of the 1956 season, Williams remained one of the best players in the league. He would capture a second Defensive Player of the Year in 1960. In 1961, Worcester Stadium suffered its firey demise at the hands of Chester Paul, who was looking to get insurance money through fraud, forcing the team to find a new home. Williams had intended to stay in Worcester for his whole career, but with the team moving, he would have the best opportunity to try and take a shot at the McCallister Cup. Ahead of the 1962 season, Williams was traded to Louisville. Williams’ impact was immediate. The Thunder would go on to win the McCallister Cup in 1962. Williams would take home his second MVP award to go along with his first championship. Williams would finish his career in Louisville, spending the final 4 seasons with the club and became an alternate captain over his final 3. He would get one last shot at the McCallister Cup in 1965, but the Thunder fell short against the Raiders. Williams would retire as a 13-time All-Star, easily the greatest linebacker in the league’s young history, and a no-doubt Hall of Famer. 

Member #32: DL Olaf Viktorsson - Bar Harbor, ME - 1st Ballot - Creator: Darknes
With the 9th overall selection of the 1953 draft, the Ottawa Royals selected Olaf Viktorsson. Viktorsson was the first D-lineman off the board in what appeared to be a bit of a weaker class at the position. However, Viktorsson proved them all wrong, going on to be one of the best players of his time. Viktorsson’s imposing power on the D-line was felt almost immediately. He would have his first All-Star season in 1954, helping the Royals to kick-start their dynasty. In the following years, Viktorsson would be an All-Star in each of the next 9 years, bringing his total to 10 All-Star seasons in 13 years of play. He helped the Royals make 7 consecutive McCallister Cup appearances, which included 4 Cup wins in 1954, 1955, 1956, and 1959. In Ottawa’s final run to the Cup in 1960, Viktorsson would have a memorable playoff run, earning him Playoff MVP for the season, although falling short of a 5th title. During the Royals’ dominance, Viktorsson would be named alternate captain in 1957, holding the title until he was promoted to Captain in 1965. His leadership was always valued on the successful squad, being a hard-working and focused leader who always pushed his team to be the best they could be. After just a single season as the team’s Captain in 1965, Viktorsson would call it a career after 13 seasons as a Royal.

Member #33: LB Brent Harper - Portland, ME - 1st Ballot - Creator: Captain Mort 3D
The Boston Independents made one of the best decisions in the 1953 draft when they traded up to pick 13 in order to draft LB Brent Harper. It took a couple of seasons for Harper to find his footing in the Boston lineup, but by his 3rd year, he would earn his first All-Star nod, and become the centrepiece of the Boston defence. In 1957, Harper would break through with 10 forced fumbles during the season, earning him his first Defensive Player of the Year Award. He would also be named captain ahead of the ‘57 season, a title that he would hold for the rest of his career until 1965. In 1958, Harper would repeat as DPOY, becoming the 3rd player in the NAAF’s history to accomplish the feat. After a couple of seasons coming back down to earth, Harper would return to the top of the mountain in 1961, taking home his 3rd DPOY, joining DB Lee Wolfe, and later DB Neville Falkner, as the only players to win the award 3 times. The 1961 season, would get even better for Harper, as the Independents would go on to win the McCallister Cup, giving Harper his lone ring. Harper continued to lead the Independents into the 1960s, as the team continued to make the playoffs year after year, however, they were never able to get back to the big game. In 1965, Harper called it a career after 13 seasons in Boston. 

Member #34: RB Johnnie Stafford - Geneseo, NY - 4th Ballot - Creator: Wallflower
Johnnie Stafford had quite a unique career in the NAAF. It began in 1952 when he was selected with the 14th overall selection in the 1952 draft by the Hartford Hawks. As a rookie, Stafford struggled immensely in the Hawks' offence, however, it certainly wasn’t completely his fault with one of the league’s worst O-lines in front of him. After his first season, the Hawks quickly found a new replacement for Stafford in the form of RB Pierre LeStrange, who they traded up to select in the first round in 1953. LeStrange struggled almost as much as Stafford in his first season, which led to Stafford getting more snaps down the stretch. Despite improving in his first season with the Hawks, Stafford was not interested in staying with the team that had given up on him, so he would be cut by the team. He signed with the Providence Gold Stars in his 3rd season. Stafford showed improvement in 1954, but in 1955 and 1956, he wasn’t able to elevate to the next level. In 1956, Providence traded for RB Laurent Brazeau, who completed the season as the starting RB. The next year, Providence signed Hall of Fame RB Élisée Marchal. A fire was lit under Stafford following the decisions of the Gold Stars. While he sat behind Marchal in 1957, he regained the starting job in 1958, and put up a career-high 8 touchdowns. Once again, being frustrated by the team not believing in him, Stafford entered free agency. Stafford signed with the Buffalo Blue Wings, where he would break out as a legitimate top back. He finished with 15 rushing touchdowns, which was tied for 3rd in the league in 1959. Despite the breakout season, Stafford would be completely overlooked for the Breakout Player of the Year Award. Well, Stafford once again aimed to prove himself, and in 1960, he would have a career-defining season. He would start in Buffalo, putting up similar numbers to the previous season. However, the Blue Wings were not in a contending window, so Stafford became very valuable in the trade market. The Long Island Raiders, who lost RB Dareion Fields to injury, would make the call and acquire Stafford from Buffalo. Stafford would return to the franchise that drafted him and continue his pace. He finished the season with 18 rushing touchdowns and enough rushing yards to finish 2nd in the league. The performance would earn Stafford Offensive Player of the Year in 1960 along with the Breakout Player of the Year Award. He would also get his lone All-Star nod, however, the Raiders did come up short in their attempt at the McCallister Cup. In the years that followed, Stafford would never hit the highs of the 1960 season, but still was a respectable player. He joined the Victors and put up 9 TDs before he landed in Louisville, where he played a supplementary role to RB Rodney Clark. He would still put up 7 TDs on the 1962 Thunder who would go on to win the Cup. Following the championship, Stafford would retire, ending a rollercoaster of a career. 

Member #35: DL Zakary Turbide - Montreal, QC - 4th Ballot - Creator: Wallflower
Turbide’s professional football career began in 1950 when he signed on to play for his hometown team, the Montreal Rouge. Turbide took on a more minor role during his first couple of seasons in the league. He didn’t see as much playing time in his first season, but he became a consistent starter in year 2. During that second season, Turbide helped his team secure a 9-0-1 record and win their first McCallister Cup. Turbide continued his development into his 3rd and 4th season, becoming a bigger star on the team, as some of the veterans like DL Napoléon Chevalier and DL Jean-Michel Duchane were starting to show their age. In 1953, Turbide took a big step forward and had a defining performance in the 1953 McCallister Cup. In the big game, he was all over QB Bruce Woodard of the Gold Stars, getting 3.5 sacks on the QB, while also recovering a fumble and picking up 8 total tackles. He would win the game’s MVP award, cementing him as a star on the Rouge D-line. In the next couple of seasons, Turbide was named an All-Star for the Rouge building off of his 1953 McCallister Cup performance. However, after missing out on the All-Star team in 1956 and the Rouge now in full rebuild mode, Turbide didn’t fit in their plan. So, Turbide was traded to the Providence Gold Stars for the 1957 season. Turbide returned to All-Star form, being named an All-Star in each of the next 3 seasons. However, his performance wasn’t enough to get the Gold Stars to the top. After the 1959 season, Turbide was then traded back to Montreal. The now-rebuilt Rouge welcomed the veteran leadership that Turbide could bring and he helped the team make the playoffs in each of the next 3 seasons and even a McCallister Cup appearance in 1962. Turbide would pick up his final All-Star nod in 1960. After the Rouge fell short against the Thunder in 1962, Turbide would call it a career after 13 years in the league.

1971 Season Preview

Preseason Power Rankings
* = New Starting QB or New Captain

1 - Pittsburgh Blacksmiths
1970 Record: 7-5 (2nd Central)
1970 Result: Lost Semi-Finals
Head Coach: Ted McMahon (7th Season)
Starting QB: Louis Vaughn
Offensive Scheme: Balanced
Defensive Scheme: 4-3-2-2
Biggest Acquisition: RB Max Tracy
Rookie to Watch: WR Edward Washington

After back-to-back Semi-Final appearances, the Pittsburgh Blacksmiths went out and added one of the best running backs in football, Max Tracy. The rest of the team remains mostly intact, with plenty of younger players continuing to improve, like DB Zed McLaughlin, DL Arthur Bradshaw, and OL Jean Baptiste Francois. With Head Coach, Ted McMahon, still at the helm and QB Louis Vaughn undercentre, it looks like the Blacksmiths are aiming to continue their trend towards the Cup and look very much like the lead contender heading into the season. 

Captains:
C - QB Louis Vaughn
A - OL Erik Nelson
A - LB Quinn Masters*

2 - Minnesota Serpents
1970 Record: 10-2 (1st West)
1970 Result: Lost Quater-Finals
Head Coach: Soni Dionne (3rd Season)
Starting QB: Martin Keller
Offensive Scheme: Run Heavy
Defensive Scheme: 3-3-3-2
Biggest Acquisition: TE Bobby Clark
Rookie to Watch: LB Earl Featherstonhaugh

The Serpents proved that they were not a one-hit-wonder after improving on their 1969 campaign with a league-best 10-2 record. The overall strategy remains the same for the Serpents, who will look to RB Tyler Kuhn and RB Hugo Hughes to be the workhorses of the offence. While defensively they will hope their strong secondary can continue to make it tough for teams to throw the ball against them with their 3-3-3-2 defence. Scouts are expecting a big jump out of DB Austin Sherebernikoff and S Gérard LaCroix as up-and-coming stars in the strong secondary. With Minnesota being one of the teams to make the least significant changes, many expect similar results during the regular season, but a big test will come in the postseason as the team is yet to get past the first round.

Captains:
C - OL Elias McCarren
A - DL Albert Sullivan
A - WR Evan Clanton

3 - Boston Independents
1970 Record: 6-6 (4th East)
1970 Result: Missed Playoffs
Head Coach: Kenneth Chaney (3rd Season)
Starting QB: Nathaniel Braddock
Offensive Scheme: Balanced
Defensive Scheme: 4-3-2-2
Biggest Acquisition: DL Wayne Baxton
Rookie to Watch: DL Joseph Kerr

It is make-or-break time for the current Boston core. QB Nathaniel Braddock is now 35 and doesn’t have all day to wait for his team to catch up. Luckily for him, Boston went out and made a big splash in bringing home DL Wayne Baxton. Baxton has been a dominant presence on the Mariners’ D-line his whole career, and Boston is hoping for more of the same from the veteran. They also hope he can help to develop DL Joseph Kerr into a solid starter to round out a much-improved front 7. Offensively, Braddock still has great support from RB Reggie Whitehead, but he did lose WR Felix Fontaine. Braddock hopes that the younger targets in WR Al Allmendinger and WR Tyreek Flores can continue to improve and that WR Edward Webb can step into the biggest role he has had in his career. The pressure is on in Boston, but that fire can be a great motivator, exemplified by the Baxton trade, so the expectations are high.

Captains:
C - QB Nathaniel Braddock
A - S Ernie Osborne
A - DL Bjorn Sigmarsson*

4 - Long Island Raiders
1970 Record: 9-3 (1st East)
1970 Result: Won McCallister Cup
Head Coach: Levi Bray (2nd Season)
Starting QB: Ivan Sanchez
Offensive Scheme: Balanced
Defensive Scheme: 4-3-2-2
Biggest Acquisition: S Garet deVale
Rookie to Watch: DB Levi Woodrow

The Raiders were on no one’s radar last season as potential McCallister Cup contenders. Especially, when they were ranked 13th in the preseason power rankings in 1970. This season, they are not going to be so quickly dismissed. QB Ivan Sanchez proved he could handle the starting job, earning him a new contract. He’s still got some solid weapons, despite RB Dareion Fields’ retirement, in RBs Scott Norton and WRs Larry Mossholder and Frank Drysdale. Defensively, the veterans remain the stars in LB William Washington II, DB Rutherford Winters, and the newly acquired S Garet deVale. The Raiders will hope that some younger stars like DL Dallas Breaker, LB Callum Owen, and DB Ross Conroy start to step up this year. Overall, the Raiders should still be a force under HC Levi Bray, so expect them to contend for the top of the East Division.

Captains:
C - LB William Washington II
A - DB Rutherford Winters
A - WR Larry Mossholder*

5 - Louisville Thunder
1970 Record: 7-5 (4th Central)
1970 Result: Missed Playoffs
Head Coach: Lou Granger (2nd Season)
Starting QB: Buck Murphy
Offensive Scheme: Balanced
Defensive Scheme: 4-3-3-2
Biggest Acquisition: DL Lucas Kipling
Rookie to Watch: OL Donovan Hodgekins

The Thunder are easily the biggest wildcards heading into the season. They showed a massive improvement after their disastrous 0-12 season in 1969. They’ve got plenty of talent behind the star WR duo of Casey Coleman and Lloyd Lane, a scary D-line anchored by Aaron Henderson and Lucas Kipling, and an up-and-coming LB core led by Le’Darius Wynn and last year’s #1 pick, Ricky Wildgoose. However, QB Buck Murphy has been the biggest question mark about this team. He is an aggressive passer, which works well when he hits his mark, but it also means a lot of misses and Murphy has been easily the most intercepted QB in the league since he took the starting job for the Thunder. If Murphy can make more good happen than bad, the Thunder are in great shape to contend this season.

Captains:
C - WR Casey Coleman
A - LB Le’Darius Wynn
A - S Tom McDougall

6 - Vancouver Wolves
1970 Record: 8-4 (2nd West)
1970 Result: Lost McCallister Cup
Head Coach: Johnnie Dawson (2nd Season in NAAF)
Starting QB: Kevin Westwood
Offensive Scheme: Balanced
Defensive Scheme: 4-3-2-2
Biggest Acquisition: QB Mike Key
Rookie to Watch: DB Apollo Duckworth

The Wolves put the rest of the NAAF on watch after their run to the McCallister Cup in their first season despite having some significant injuries. The talented team proved that they could dance with the big dogs of the NAAF. The team didn’t change much this offseason, exemplified by their biggest new addition being their backup QB. Some may say that is a concern, but Vancouver has a very talented squad with the likes of star QB Kevin Westwood, WR Keshawn Johnston, and LB Shawn Anderson very much keeping the team in contention this season. As mentioned before Vancouver had several key injuries last season, the biggest, of course, to DL Rashawn Sutherland. Sutherland has returned to the playing field at training camp and looks as dangerous as ever. If he can stay healthy, expect Vancouver to be even better this season.

Captains:
C - QB Kevin Westwood
A - WR Keshawn Johnston
A - DL Jared Kendall

7 - Ottawa Royals
1970 Record: 7-5 (3rd East)
1970 Result: Lost Quarter-Finals
Head Coach: Jean Matieau (4th Season)
Starting QB: Drake Young
Offensive Scheme: Balanced
Defensive Scheme: 4-3-2-2
Biggest Acquisition: RB Richard Morin
Rookie to Watch: WR Charles Toothacre

The Royals had a lot of hype heading into the season last year, after their return to the McCallister Cup in 1969, however, injury troubles and inconsistent play led to the team barely sneaking into the postseason. The Royals will be hoping that they can stay healthy this season, especially stars DL Bernhard Hartmann and DB Sergio Alvarez, who both missed time last season. If they do remain healthy, the Royals will be as strong a contender as any team in the league. The aforementioned Hartmann and Alvarez lead a scary defence with plenty of other pieces like S Marc Bellecourt and DB Jerome Caldwell. Offensively, QB Drake Young will look to regain some confidence in getting the Royals’ offence going this season along with RB Corbyn Knight and WR Marshall Leonard. However, another hurdle the Royals may face is a few younger faces in the receiving core in Matthew de la Cruz and rookie Charles Toothacre, who will both look to prove themselves this season. If Ottawa stays healthy, they are certainly a contender for the cup.

Captains:
C - WR Marshall Leonard
A - LB Sam Wheeler
A - DL Bernhard Hartmann

8 - Providence Gold Stars
1970 Record: 8-4 (2nd East)
1970 Result: Lost Quarter-Finals
Head Coach: Tommie Warner (2nd Season)
Starting QB: Red King*
Offensive Scheme: Balanced
Defensive Scheme: 4-3-2-2
Biggest Acquisition: OL Emil Jennings
Rookie to Watch: QB Red King

The Gold Stars’ rebuild was a bit ahead of schedule last season with the team exceeding expectations by going 8-4. This offseason, the team looked to improve the rest of the team by bringing in some key free agents, like All-Star OL, Emil Jennings, and DB Corey Ross to improve weak positions. They have plenty of youth on the rise like WR Justin Palmer, RB Ronnie Byers, and DB Michael Cope. However, the two biggest x-factors on the team will be QB Red King and TE Kairos Knight. Red King made his debut in the playoffs last season after QB Landon Ross went down during the team’s Quarter-Final match with the Blacksmiths. King played well in the loss, and now the 1970 2nd overall pick will get his chance to be the leader of this team. Knight on the other hand is a complete wild card. His play at Western New York was revolutionary for the tight end position, but the question will be if the Gold Stars will utilize him the right way. Providence showed they had a good foundation last season, but they will be relying on their young centrepieces to really take a step forward this season. King has the upside, but he is still technically a rookie and will have to prove himself this season.

Captains:
C - LB Victor Falkensteig
A - WR Owen Paisley
A - S Tom Parrish

9 - Buffalo Blue Wings
1970 Record: 8-4 (1st Central)
1970 Result: Lost Quarter-Finals
Head Coach: Maurice Evanson (8th Season)
Starting QB: Charles Lemieux
Offensive Scheme: Balanced
Defensive Scheme: 4-3-2-2
Biggest Acquisition: S Eric Willis
Rookie to Watch: S Levi Brickshaw

The Blue Wings’ dominance took a step back last season, if you want a call an 8-4 season a step back. However, the team that has dominated the league in recent years, isn’t looking as sharp as it once did. Eventually, every dynasty faces the foe that is age, and Buffalo’s time seems to be starting now. DL William Sanderson elected to retire leaving a hole for the Blue Wings on the D-line, the entire starting secondary is now in their 30s, along with LB Dallas Dillard, and LB Randall Lambert who is just one year off from 30. Offensively, the team still has some youth, QB Charles Lemieux is still in his prime by QB standards, and they have a bright new offensive heartbeat in RB Jasper Dickerson, and some WRs like Tracy Driscoll and Jimmy Jack who can still play. Age will play a factor this season for the Blue Wings. The question will be if it will be injuries or a decline in skill that might be their Achilles heel. However, if they stay healthy and composed, the Blue Wings are still dangerous.

Captains:
C - QB Charles Lemieux
A - DB Dean Hawkins
A - WR Jimmy Jack*

10 - Indiana Victors
1970 Record: 7-5 (3rd Central)
1970 Result: Lost Semi-Finals
Head Coach: Urick Wilkins (3rd Season)
Starting QB: Tom Applewhite
Offensive Scheme: Pass Heavy
Defensive Scheme: 3-4-2-2
Biggest Acquisition: RB Jimmy Golden
Rookie to Watch: WR Lew Wallendowski

Many viewed last season as Indiana’s last real shot at contending. Now, that may not be completely true as the team did see a rise in some young talent last season in WR Jake Abbredezzi and DL Eugene Case. However, the team’s biggest weakness last season, a lack of consistency in the run game, was one issue that still remains a question. 33-year-old RB, Jimmy Golden, who was benched in Buffalo last season, was the best solution the Victors had. Now, Golden is probably a Hall of Famer, but he’s not the same guy he used to be and may not be much of an upgrade over what the team had previously. Overall, Indiana still has a solid team with DB Neville Falkner, a solid LB Core with Marshall Langenbrunner and Terrence Patton, and WR Ed Edwards. So, you cannot count the team out of contention, but they certainly have a tall task with just how competitive the Central is getting.

Captains:
C - OL Viktor Stahl
A - LB Terrence Patton
A - DB Neville Falkner*

11 - Winnipeg Falcons
1970 Record: 5-6-1 (3rd West)
1970 Result: Missed Playoffs
Head Coach: Jay Nielson (2nd Season in NAAF)
Starting QB: Emerson Thompson
Offensive Scheme: Balanced
Defensive Scheme: 4-3-2-2
Biggest Acquisition: DB Lawrence Ralph
Rookie to Watch: S Vernon Redgate

The Falcons struggled out of the gate last season, but they made a surprising push for the postseason, going 4-1-1 over their last 6 games. This season, the expectations are going to be a bit higher for a relatively young team. Especially, when they have added an experienced veteran in DB Lawrence Ralph, as well as their first-round draft pick, S Vernon Redgate, and a plethora of solid depth pieces to build out the roster. QB Emerson Thompson had a tough start to last season but had picked it up in the second half. The team is going to hope that the trend will continue upward for their young QB, but they still have lots of talent around him to help in RB Joe Rivers and WR Terry Upshaw. Overall, Winnipeg has a good foundation, and last year proved they could fight for a playoff spot, so don’t be surprised if they are in the running for the postseason this year.

Captains:
C - LB Claude Clarke
A - RB Joe Rivers
A - WR Terry Upshaw

12 - Halifax Mariners
1970 Record: 4-8 (6th East)
1970 Result: Missed Playoffs
Head Coach: Ben McMillan (4th Season)
Starting QB: Lyle Painter
Offensive Scheme: Balanced
Defensive Scheme: 4-3-2-2
Biggest Acquisition: RB George Seahorse
Rookie to Watch: DB Jack Treadaway

The Mariners look to be heading into another season with low expectations. With the trade of DL Wayne Baxton to Boston, and then the team’s move up to #1 to take QB Todd Sparrow, it appears that the rebuild has begun. However, Halifax still has a decent amount of talent to still be a competitive team in the backend of the standings. QB Lyle Painter remains the starting QB, allowing Sparrow to watch and learn this season. WRs Shane Steadman and Jav Kerrigan are still going to be the top targets for Painter, with a new face in the backfield in RB George Seahorse. Defensively, they absolutely going to be weaker in the front 7 without Baxton, but they do have some younger faces that could start to make their mark in LB Frederic Macnamara and DB Jack Treadaway. Expect this season to be more of a developmental one for the Mariners as they begin to retool their roster.

Captains:
C - DL Pat Butler
A - DB Joe Robinson
A - QB Lyle Painter

13 - Montreal Rouge
1970 Record: 4-8 (5th East)
1970 Result: Missed Playoffs
Head Coach: Malachi Knowles (1st Season)
Starting QB: Gene Bishop
Offensive Scheme: Balanced
Defensive Scheme: 4-3-2-2
Biggest Acquisition: S Mathieu Cazenave
Rookie to Watch: RB Bo Frazier

This offseason was a reset for the Rouge, who have failed to meet expectations over the last several seasons. New GM Jon Neal and HC Malachi Knowles are hoping to right the ship and get Montreal back into contention. While the turnaround won’t happen overnight, the Rouge do have a good start with plenty of young talent on the rise. They just drafted RB Bo Frazier and WR Antonio Villaneuva in the first round. Both players have been projected to have high ceilings. DB Jean Paul du Pont, LB Jean-Christophe Bain, and LB Willie Stetson are all looking to take steps forward this season. Not to mention, they also added a top safety in Mathieu Cazenave to replace the departed S Garet deVale. Overall, Montreal’s got a lot of upside on the roster, however, they have the biggest question mark at QB. Gene Bishop has shown a lot of decline over the last several seasons, which has been a big contributor to the struggles. Montreal has added QB Magnus Torrensen to potentially support the position if Bishop struggles, but they may even look to last year’s 6th overall pick, QB Nathan Houle for the future.

Captains:
C - OL Mathieu Roy
A - WR Taylor Karis
A - DB Lamar Brown*

14 - Edmonton Rangers
1970 Record: 5-7 (4th West)
1970 Result: Missed Playoffs
Head Coach: Pat Gilliam (2nd Season in NAAF)
Starting QB: Blair Collins
Offensive Scheme: Run Heavy
Defensive Scheme: 4-3-2-2
Biggest Acquisition: DB Chris Berrymore
Rookie to Watch: WR Stanley McClendon

The Rangers faced a bit of injury trouble last season, as well as managing an aging roster. Despite adding some younger pieces through the draft and free agency, Edmonton remains the oldest roster in the league. While they showed some fight in a 5-7 campaign last season, they are going to be hard-pressed to return to that form this season. QB Blair Collins is now 38, and suffered injuries last season, they saw the departure of one of their bright spots on offence in WR Alex Browne Sr. heading to London, and plenty of other players like LB Herb Landry entering the final years of their careers. Edmonton has been a good team for a long time, so they will find ways to win games, but their ceiling isn’t going to be very high. Expect something similar to how the Steelheads have played over the last couple of seasons behind QB Todd Baker.

Captains:
C - QB Blair Collins
A - LB Herb Landry
A - OL Charles Creighton

15 - London Tigers
1970 Record: 2-9-1 (6th Central)
1970 Result: Missed Playoffs
Head Coach: Aengus Lynch (1st Season)
Starting QB: Tyrion Gainsborough*
Offensive Scheme: Conservative
Defensive Scheme: 4-3-2-2
Biggest Acquisition: OL Shane Willis
Rookie to Watch: DB Victor Vratislav

The London Tigers didn’t have a lot of expectations going into last season, however, they still managed to fall short of a low bar, going 2-9-1. After going backwards, they made a change at coach, bringing on Hall of Fame LB Aengus Lynch. Lynch, along with GM Joseph Johnson, set out to revamp the Tigers as they continue their rebuild. As many of the younger players continue to develop the team added a pair of core pieces in OL Shane Willis and WR Alex Browne Sr. who will both play pivotal roles this season. They also added a more consistent option at QB, signing QB Tyrion Gainsborough. Gainsborough’s lone season as a starter was a 10-2 campaign with the Royals in 1968. He played well and was great at managing the offence, something the Tigers needed desperately last season. Overall, the most pressure this season is going to be on RB Jeremy Royal. Royal showed flashes of excellence with a dominant game early last season, but he never regained that strong footing. So, the team will be looking to him to really take a step forward.

Captains:
C - DL Mo Kahn*
A - QB Tyrion Gainsborough*
A - LB Everett Lynch

16 - Toronto Steelheads
1970 Record: 5-7 (5th Central)
1970 Result: Missed Playoffs
Head Coach: Phillip Little (1st Season)
Starting QB: David Simmons*
Offensive Scheme: Conservative
Defensive Scheme: 4-3-2-2
Biggest Acquisition: WR Felix Fontaine
Rookie to Watch: DL Mason Russland

In one offseason, the Steelheads went throw more changes than they have had in all the years since joining the NAAF. New GM Reginald McMahon took over with a plan and completely reimagined the Steelheads’ direction. In is a new QB in David Simmons, who has had some chances to start since being taken 10th overall by the Thunder in 1967, but has yet to get a true opportunity. WR Felix Fontaine and DB Santino Arriola are both key acquisitions to build out the depth of the team. Out is superstar, RB Max Tracy, and in is a set of RBs looking to prove themselves, especially RB Shannon West, who struggled in his early years in Indiana. Now, many of the moves and players are excited and a step up for the team, but they are still a long shot from being a contender. HC Phillip Little is at the helm for the first time in his career and much of the roster is made up of young and unproven players. So, Toronto is still expected to sit near the back of the pecking order.

Captains:
C - DL Johnathan Ellison*
A - S Charles Clerk*
A - QB David Simmons*

17 - Calgary Predators
1970 Record: 1-11 (6th West)
1970 Result: Missed Playoffs
Head Coach: Travis Hobson (2nd Season in NAAF)
Starting QB: Jesse Essex
Offensive Scheme: Wild West
Defensive Scheme: 4-3-2-2
Biggest Acquisition: DB Oliver Langstrom
Rookie to Watch: RB Rocco Peaks

The Predators looked to take full advantage of the free agents they had available upon officially joining the NAAF. They focused on speed for their Wild West offence, adding WR Carter Henderson, WR Shay Hopkins and a pair of mobile QBs in Emmitt Jackson and Travis Jackson. They also didn’t shy away from adding veteran depth, signing former 1st overall pick, DB Oliver Langstrom. The Preds are certainly going to be an improved team, especially if they remain healthy. However, there could be a battle at QB. The team has named QB Jesse Essex as their starter, who was their starter last season before injury. While Essex got the team their lone win of the season, the passing game was not there with Essex. Emmitt Jackson has shown in practice that he can sling it, but hasn’t quite gotten the offence down. If Jackson can figure out the offence, he might be right in line to take the job from Essex. In the end, regardless of who starts, Calgary doesn’t have high expectations, but they certainly can improve on a 1-win season from last year.

Captains:
C - DL Chris Barrett
A - RB John Drexel
A - LB Junior Abbott

18 - Regina Wheat Kings
1970 Record: 3-9 (5th West)
1970 Result: Missed Playoffs
Head Coach: Wayne Combs (2nd Season in NAAF)
Starting QB: Stanley Evans*
Offensive Scheme: Conservative
Defensive Scheme: 4-3-2-2
Biggest Acquisition: DB Lauri Hayha
Rookie to Watch: DL Butcher Callahan

Regina surprised many with their 3 wins last season with many seeing them as a potential winless team. However, despite the above-expected performance from last season, the Wheat Kings enter the 1971 campaign with still a weak roster on paper. There have been some improvements with DL Butcher Callahan and OL Charles Hyland being added in the draft, both proving themselves in training camp, as well as some solid depth in DB Lauri Hayha and RB Joseph Cook. Of course, the biggest improvement is likely at QB with Saskatoon native, Stanley Evans, coming over from Vancouver to take on the starting job. Evans was solid in the action he got with the Wolves last season, but maybe left something to be desired in his McCallister Cup appearance following QB Kevin Westwood’s injury. QB Matt Fletcher and last year’s starter, QB Rusty Lamb, will also be vying for playing time if Evans does struggle. RB Deion Chapman and WR Nick Spalding will hope to continue to create on offence while LB Brett Pride and DL Pete Gingers will continue to lead the defence. Overall, Regina has improved, but so has the rest of the league, and the team is still far enough behind to make it tough this season.

Captains:
C - LB Brett Pride
A - DL Pete Gingers
A - OL Hugh Johnson*

Wally’s Prediction

WEST
(1) Minnesota - 11-3
(4) Vancouver - 9-5
Winnipeg - 7-7
Edmonton - 5-9
Calgary - 3-11
Regina - 2-12

CENTRAL
(3) Pittsburgh - 10-4
(7) Buffalo - 8-6
(8) Louisville - 8-6
Indiana - 7-7
London - 6-8
Toronto - 5-9

EAST
(2) Boston - 10-4
(5) Long Island - 9-5
(6) Ottawa - 9-5
Providence - 8-6
Montreal - 6-8
Halifax - 4-10

Playoffs

QF
(1) MIN over (8) LOU
(2) BOS over (7) BUF
(6) OTT over (3) PIT
(4) VAN over (5) LI

SF
(1) MIN over (6) OTT
(2) BOS over (4) VAN

53rd McCallister Cup - Providence, RI
(2) BOS over (1) MIN

Last edited by Wallflower (9/02/2023 3:37 pm)